Don't get me wrong though, if I'm pointing out more of the misses than the hits it's only because EA was so close to fully redeeming itself with this year's effort. NHL 06 is definitely a huge step in the right direction. They've dropped a lot of the over-the-top hits and replaced them with more hip checks in the neutral zone. They've made the goalies more realistic and the defense savvier without being cheap. They have also deepened the dynasty mode. If EA can carry these steps in the right direction onto the next generation, then we're going to see some phenomenal games. If not, though, we'll still have a solid hockey game to play with that promises not to get old even after weeks of play.

2005: Not exactly the brightest year for hockey fans. The player lockout caused the NHL to cease activities, and EA's NHL franchise took a step backward with the shortsighted NHL 2005. Now, with the Zambonis back in action, EA returns to the rink with NHL 06, which offers just enough tweaks to bring back some of the series' lost luster.

NHL 06 isn't a horrible game. If you're a hockey fan who hasn't touched the series in a few years -- and doesn't have access to a console that would allow you to play one of Sega's superior NHL2K games -- you'll get a little mileage out of it. But there are probably a hundred things in this year's game that could be improved, and it's obvious the game is being allowed to coast in some areas. Forget about NHL 06 as a serious hockey simulation, and even as an arcade game, it's only marginally satisfying. The coolest game on earth deserves better.